Written by Ivonne Almanza Henry

 

Nestled in the south of France, Perpignan is a vibrant city renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. As the Sister City Director, I recently had the incredible opportunity to represent Sarasota in Perpignan from August 31 to September 5. My visit was timed perfectly to coincide with the internationally acclaimed Visa pour l’Image festival, an event I had been eagerly promoting back home.

Experiencing Visa pour l’Image

Visa pour l’Image is a prestigious annual gathering that attracts photojournalists from across the globe. Thanks to the visionary efforts of Jean-François Leroy and the support of Delphine Lelu, the festival has become a cornerstone for showcasing compelling documentaries and films, engaging in thought-provoking workshops, and participating in insightful talks. Spanning 11 venues, it offers a unique chance to explore Perpignan’s blend of modern and historical sites.

During my visit, I attended a welcome cocktail hosted by the festival, which brought together photojournalists, esteemed residents, dignitaries, and government officials. This event was a fantastic networking opportunity and even included a public Sardinian dance performance, adding a touch of local tradition to the mix.

Building Connections and Cultural Bridges

One of the most memorable moments of my trip was meeting Laurence Herlin Lemaire, Perpignan Director of Tourism, and collaborating on an upcoming breakfast event in Sarasota. Scheduled for October 23, this event will highlight Perpignan’s rich cultural heritage under the theme “Welcome to Perpignan: ‘Centre du Monde’.” A comprehensive city tour, a delightful lunch with Véronique Lopez Aliot, Nicolás Berthet, and Laurence, and an immersive dinner experience allowed me to deeply appreciate Perpignan’s unique charm.

My visit also included a significant meeting with Mayor Louis Aliot, where I had the honor of presenting the city plaque. We discussed the Sarasota Sister Cities Association and laid the groundwork for their upcoming visit in October. The hospitality extended by Mayor Aliot, Director of Tourism Laurence Herlin Lemaire, and Director of Communication Vèronique Lopez Aliot was truly heartwarming.

Celebrating Partnerships and Heritage

During my stay, I witnessed the formalization of a partnership between Perpignan and Palma de Mallorca. This historic occasion included a guided tour of the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum, the signing of the twinning agreement, and a reception. Additional highlights were the exhibition “Heritage Treasures from the Time of the Kings of Mallorca,” a tour of the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca, a commemorative mass, and a traditional French dinner at the Congress Palace.

I also enjoyed meeting Marie-Therese Sanchez-Schmidt and Dominique Schemla, who were in Sarasota when the first agreement was signed 30 years ago. Their enthusiasm for fostering continued connections between our cities was inspiring, and they are now organizing a visit to Sarasota in October.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

I am deeply grateful to Mayor Louis Aliot, Laurence Herlin Lemaire, Véronique Lopez Aliot, Nicolas Berthet, and everyone who made my stay in Perpignan unforgettable. This visit has strengthened our bond with Perpignan and set the stage for future cultural exchanges and collaborations.

My heartfelt thanks also goes to the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota for this incredible opportunity.

I invite anyone interested to get involved with the Sister Cities Association of Sarasota and be a part of our mission to foster international understanding and friendship. You won’t regret the rich experiences had and the wonderful connections made.